Tragic shooting strikes deep in diverse Jersey City

Tuesday's deadly shootout in Jersey City struck the fabric of a city that statistically has been among the most diverse in the country.

News 12 Staff

Dec 12, 2019, 9:16 PM

Updated 1,586 days ago

Share:

Tuesday's deadly shootout in Jersey City struck the fabric of a city that statistically has been among the most diverse in the country.
Bayview Cemetery, where Jersey City Police Detective Joseph Seals was gunned down, sits atop a hill overlooking New York Bay, where the Statue of Liberty sits in Jersey City waters. Police went door to door in the houses across the street, looking for clues into Seals' murder.
A mile away down Martin Luther King Drive, in front of the boarded up Jewish grocery store where the suspects killed three more people, stood Mayor Steve Fulop, grandson of Holocaust survivors, who grew up stocking shelves in his parents' deli.
Investigators hadn't declared a motive at the time, but Fulop called it as he saw it.
"There is no question that this is a hate crime, and anti-Semitism should be called out firmly, immediately for what it is," said Fulop.
Before that place was MLK Drive, it was Jackson Avenue, named after Thomas and John Vreeland Jackson, freed slaves whose property was a stop on the Underground Railroad. In the early 20th century, it had many thriving, Jewish-owned shops. Then it became a largely black community before budding with a Jewish population once again.
"We are the most diverse city in the country and we are accepting to everyone," says Councilman Jermaine Robinson. "I'm proud to be a black American, I'm proud to be here in this community and share this community with everyone who calls Jersey City home."
"We are very welcoming to everyone," says Assemblywoman Angela McKnight. "I was born and raised right here in Jersey City and I want everyone to know that this community is one. So we are all mourning together."
And so Fulop and other officials called the massacre for what it was -- a crime not only against police and the Jewish community, but against all of the city, and all that it stands for.
 


More from News 12
0:45
NYPD: Protesters along Brooklyn Bridge arrested for blocking traffic

NYPD: Protesters along Brooklyn Bridge arrested for blocking traffic

2:20
WNBA draft takes over the Brooklyn Academy of Music

WNBA draft takes over the Brooklyn Academy of Music

2:01
Spring warmth in full effect with sunshine, temps in the 70s through Tuesday for NYC

Spring warmth in full effect with sunshine, temps in the 70s through Tuesday for NYC

1:46
E-bike shop owner in Flatbush behind bars, accused of unsafe conditions in his business

E-bike shop owner in Flatbush behind bars, accused of unsafe conditions in his business

2:03
Black Maternal Health Week: Mother discusses how her pregnancy inspired her to become a doctor

Black Maternal Health Week: Mother discusses how her pregnancy inspired her to become a doctor

1:22
City announces Project Home program to combat domestic violence

City announces Project Home program to combat domestic violence

1:36
It’s Tax Day: Bronx accountant breaks down what you should know

It’s Tax Day: Bronx accountant breaks down what you should know

1:53
NYPD: Williamsburg jewelry store robbed in broad daylight; incident caught on camera

NYPD: Williamsburg jewelry store robbed in broad daylight; incident caught on camera

2:00
FDNY: Mother, daughter injured in late night Sunset Park apartment fire

FDNY: Mother, daughter injured in late night Sunset Park apartment fire

1:43
Brooklyn resident helping Brooklyn Public Library by organizing races to raise funds

Brooklyn resident helping Brooklyn Public Library by organizing races to raise funds

0:22
NYPD: 2 men wanted in connection to Cypress Hills gunpoint robbery

NYPD: 2 men wanted in connection to Cypress Hills gunpoint robbery

0:26
Fire officials: 15 people injured in bus, truck crash in Downtown Brooklyn

Fire officials: 15 people injured in bus, truck crash in Downtown Brooklyn

1:27
NYPD deploys resources to places of worship amid increased Middle East tensions

NYPD deploys resources to places of worship amid increased Middle East tensions

1:40
Demonstrators outside Kings Plaza Mall push for changes to immigration policy

Demonstrators outside Kings Plaza Mall push for changes to immigration policy

1:17
Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts ‘Celebrate Eid al-Fitr’ festival

Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts ‘Celebrate Eid al-Fitr’ festival

0:25
Police: Man who punched 9-year-old girl at Grand Central Terminal arrested

Police: Man who punched 9-year-old girl at Grand Central Terminal arrested

2:32
Community advocates rally and call for changes in aftermath of NYPD's decision in Kawaski Trawick case

Community advocates rally and call for changes in aftermath of NYPD's decision in Kawaski Trawick case

2:39
‘A very dangerous time.’ NYC synagogues and Jewish organizations on high alert after Iran attack

‘A very dangerous time.’ NYC synagogues and Jewish organizations on high alert after Iran attack

0:43
NYPD: Victims identified, arrest made in Fordham crash that killed 2

NYPD: Victims identified, arrest made in Fordham crash that killed 2

2:04
CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties

CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties